Spring is in full bloom and that usually means mosquitoes would soon be flying around Marietta, but the city is taking steps to prevent mosquitoes from growing and causing problems for residents.
Marietta’s Public Works Department is beginning a program that offers to send an employee to homes to kill mosquito larvae and prevent adult mosquitoes by putting chemically treated briquettes in standing water on private property, including creeks, which are breeding areas for mosquitoes.
Photo Credit: via Flickr FreeBird
Residents with a mosquito problem can call Marietta’s Public Works Department at 770-794-5676 for help getting rid of the mosquitoes.
Marietta is also taking care of mosquitoes on city rights of way, operations manager Scott Lawler said.
To help prevent mosquitoes in the past, the Public Works Department sprayed Aqua-Reslin at night, which eliminated the adults but was not effective against the daytime biting mosquitoes.
In addition to removing standing water, adding the environmentally friendly briquettes to standing water is the best option to eliminate mosquitoes, Lawler said.
Other things you can do
Eliminate standing water
• Keep gutters clean and free of debris
• Keep lids on outdoor garbage cans
• Drill holes in the bottom of recycling bins
• Remove all standing water on property
• Store boats so water drains
• Remove or cover all old tires stored outside
• Drain or flush all birdbaths
• Drain all large toys that are stored outside
• Store all yard tools properly
• Maintain pools and ponds
• Remind neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their property
• Repair leaky pipes and faucets
• Screen rain barrels and openings to water tanks
• Eliminate weeds and tall grass
Protect Yourself
• Wear long pants, long sleeved shirts and socks
• Use insect repellant containing DEET (Note: Read carefully and follow manufacturer’s instructions. Do not use on infants or pregnant women.)
• Make sure open doors and windows are screened
• Stay indoors when mosquitoes are active
